
Brave Space Leadership
Unlocking Extraordinary Results Through Healthy and Humanizing Organizational Cultures
Leading in today's complex world requires a deep understanding of how to build inclusive and equitable organizations where everyone feels valued and can thrive. Cultivating this kind of environment isn't simply the right thing to do—it's a strategic imperative. Organizations in all industries that prioritize creating a sense of belonging are better positioned to attract and retain top talent, drive innovation, enhance customer relationships, and achieve sustainable growth.
But creating truly inclusive cultures isn't easy. Diversity, equity, and inclusion is a vast, ever-expanding, and constantly changing universe, requiring leaders to adapt and evolve their approaches. Even the most seasoned leaders may struggle to navigate these complexities, and need support in developing the courage, competencies, and strategic vision necessary to lead effectively in this space.
At Brave Space Leadership, we understand those challenges because we don’t just talk the talk - we’ve walked the walk. As senior leaders, we’ve navigated the intricacies of complex organizations, developed and implemented successful strategies for advancing inclusion, and led and inspired diverse teams. We know firsthand the effort it takes to foster a workplace where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected.
We believe that leaders already possess the essential ingredients—the wisdom, talent, and intelligence—needed to build truly inclusive organizations. Synthesizing those elements into something powerful and transformative is like a chemical reaction for which we serve as the catalyst, easing and accelerating the process of change. We partner with you to develop a tailored approach that aligns with your specific context and goals, providing the guidance and support you need to create a workplace where everyone can flourish.
Ready to embark on this journey? Learn more about our vision, mission, approach, and values, explore our menu of services, or contact us to start a conversation.
What is Brave Space?
Dr. Brian Arao and Kristi L. Clemens created brave space in response to a challenge they regularly encountered in their practice as educators for diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, and belonging (DEIJB) - how to help people understand, embrace, and rise to the challenges of learning about DEIJB in diverse groups. In their interview with Student Affairs Now, they share stories of how and why brave space was born; how to help people create brave spaces for and with each other; how the framework has evolved over time; and where brave spaces may be headed in the future.
We’ve partnered with leaders from …
ACPA - College Student Educators International
Apple
California State University: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and San Jose campuses
Cañada College
Lake Champlain Basin Program
Mayo Clinic
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA)
New Mexico State University
Slack
Stanford School of Medicine
University of California - Berkeley and Davis campuses
UVM Foundation
Vassar College
Charitable foundation recognized as a world leader in child welfare and juvenile justice
Major multinational telecommunications and media conglomerate
One of the world’s largest construction companies.